Siege of Breda (1618)

The Siege of Breda occurred when the army of the United Provinces conquered the minor city of Breda in North Brabant from its significant Austrian garrison. Breda was one of the Archduchy of Austria's strongholds in the Habsburg Netherlands, and it was defended by Anton Alexander Ritter von Benedek and a garrison of troops who were willing to fight to the death to defend the city. The first Dutch battering ram used against the walls was set on fire by burning oil, but the second Dutch ram destroyed the gates to Breda, and the Dutch proceeded to storm the city. They massacred a train of supply wagons before engaging the Austrian troops, and the Dutch cut the Austrians to ribbons as they withdrew to the city center, where they were to make their last stand. The Austrian garrison was overwhelmed, and Von Benedek was captured. Breda was overrun by the Dutch, weakening the Austrians' first line of defense.